Courses

GE 101.    EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE    4
An introduction to Earth's dynamic systems and geologic processes. The planet is studied from its deep interior to its oceanic, surficial, and atmospheric components to develop a scientific understanding of Earth as a holistic environmental system, of which the biosphere, including humanity, is one component. Within this context, course topics such as rocks and minerals, mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, oceans, glaciers, and deserts are examined from the perspective of the interactions between geologic processes and humans. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab a week. Prerequisite: QR1. (Fulfills QR2 requirement; qualifies as a natural science laboratory course for breadth requirement.)    K. Nichols

GE 102.    THE HISTORY OF EARTH, LIFE, AND GLOBAL CHANGE    4
Introduction to the deep time history of biospheric responses to changes in Earth's climatologic and geologic systems. The course draws upon geologic principles and theories to explore the planet's origin and the processes that perpetually modify the global environment. Topics also include the origin of life, the causes and consequences of major environmental crises in Earth's history, and the role of humanity as an agent of global change. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    R. Lindemann

GE 104.    DINOSAURS: EVOLUTION TO EXTINCTION    4
Investigation into recent scientific theories about dinosaurs in an attempt to answer: who were they? how did they live? where did they live? how did they become extinct? what significance was their death to our own evolution? Topics include: dinosaur death, burial, and preservation; evolution, ecology, and extinction; and dinosaur myths in the media.    

GE 112.    OCEANOGRAPHY INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT    4
Introduction to the interaction of physical, chemical and biological processes operative in the great water bodies that cover nearly three-quarters of the earth's surface. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement; fulfills QR2 requirement.)    

GE 207.    ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY    4
Investigation of Earth's environments as viewed through the study of surficial and crustal geologic processes. Emphasis is on natural and anthropogenic phenomena including earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, climate change, soil erosion, pollution, waste management, and energy resources. Laboratories and field trips highlight geologic perspectives on the environment. Three hours lecture, three hours lab per week.    K. Nichols

GE 208.    ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES    4
A survey of the origin, distribution, and exploitation of energy (e.g., petroleum, methane, coal, uranium) and mineral (e.g., metal, gem, agricultural fertilizer) resources throughout the world. The dependence of industrialized nations upon Earth's energy and mineral resources is at the root of many national economies as well as many of the major environmental and geopolitical conflicts of our time. Future economic and population growth are certain to multiply demands for Earth resources, a fact that urges that there be an educated citizenry capable of making databased decisions regarding their availability and utilization. Related topics include shrinking resource reserves, environmental degradation, and the relative merits of various resource strategies. Prerequisite: GE101 or 102 or 207. Offered in 2010-11and alternate years.    R. Lindemann

GE 211.    CLIMATOLOGY    4
Introduction to the basic components of Earth's climate system: the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. The course nvestigates the basic physical processes that determine climate and the links among the components of the climate system, including the hydrologic and carbon cycles and their roles in climate, climate stability, and global change. Topics also include climate patterns and forecasting climate, as well as their applications and human impacts. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement).    

GE 216.    SEDIMENTOLOGY    4
The scientific study of sedimentary bodies and the processes by which they form. Emphasis is placed on the actualistic application of Holocene models to the recognition and interpretation of ancient depositional environments. Field and laboratory work include the description, classification, and interpretation in outcrop, hand specimen and thin section. Prerequisite: GE102 or GE112. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week.    R. Lindemann

GE 251.    SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOSCIENCE    1-4
A variety of topics at the intermediate level, for students with interest in geosciences. Topics may include geochemistry, planetary geology, global tectonics, petroleum geology, and global bioevents. Topics will be selected based on student interest and background. May be repeated multiple times for credit with different topics, pending department approval. Courses offered for 1 or 2 credits will not count toward major or minor requirements. Prerequisites: will vary based on course topic. The Department

GE 301.    HYDROGEOLOGIC SYSTEMS    4
An advanced course on the physical processes of water transport and accumulation on the surface and in the shallow subsurface environments, as well as environmental impacts on water quality. Students will learn the scientific principles of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, surface runoff, groundwater flow and surface-groundwater interaction. Students will apply these principles to investigate how land-use change, such as agriculture and urban development, change the quantity, quality, and distribution of water in our environment. Throughout the course, students will use case studies and field-data to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab a week. Two mandatory Saturday field-trips. Prerequisite: GE 101 or GE 207 or ES 105   K. Nichols

GE 304.    GEOMORPHOLOGY    4
Analysis of the geologic and climatic factors that control the evolution of topography. Lab study is concentrated on the physical character of the United States and on the geologic configurations which determine landform distribution and therefore are the basis for physical subdivision. Two hours of lecture, three hours of lab a week. Prerequisite: GE101 or 207. Offered in 2010-11and alternate years.    K. Nichols

GE 309.    FIELD TECHNIQUES    4
An advanced course in the techniques used for field mapping. The course concentrates on the instruments of mapping and how to use them, including pace and compass, altimeter, plane table and alidade, topographic map and air photo base. In addition there is the study of some basic subsurface geologic techniques such as structural contour maps, isopach maps, and well log analysis and correlation. Two hours of lecture, three hours of lab, and one hour of discussion per week.    K. Nichols

GE 310.    PALEOBIOLOGY    4
An advanced study of the morphology, taxonomy, and evolution of fossil organisms; the major events in the 3.6 billion-year history of Earth's biota; and the processes of fossil preservation/destruction. The ecology of fossil organisms, reconstruction of paleo-environments and paleocommunities, as well as the forcing mechanisms that perpetually alter Earth's marine and terrestrial environments are emphasized throughout. Laboratory and field work provide firsthand experience in the application of the fundamental concepts and principles of paleobiology to the observation, analysis, and interpretation of ancient life forms. Offered 2010-11and alternate years. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: GE102.    R. Lindemann

GE 311.    PALEOCLIMATOLOGY    3
An advanced course that examines the history of Earth's climate, the physical processes that influence it and their interaction, as well as controlling mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on biogeochemical cycles, atmospheric and oceanic chemistry and circulation patterns through time, the influences of volcanic aerosols and asteroid impacts on climate, icehouse and greenhouse cycles, and the climates of the Phanerozoic. Prerequisite: GE101 or 102 or 211, or permission of instructor.    

GE 316.    STRATIGRAPHY    4
Study of lithologic and biologic units of sedimentary strata, their classification, correlation, and use in environmental and geographic reconstructions. Emphasis placed on the respective roles of organisms, geosynclines and tectonic events in the development of continents and sedimentary basins. Prerequisite: GE216. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Offered 2009-2010 and aWhalternate years.    R. Lindemann

GE 351.    ADVANCED TOPICS IN GEOSCIENCES    3
Advanced topics in geology offered to either small groups of students or on an individual basis, allowing the student to study in depth areas of the science which are not offered on a regular basis. Specific topics will vary each time the course is taught and might include hydrology, glaciology, micropaleontology, or computer applications in geology. Prerequisite: permission of department.    The Department

GE 371    INDEPENDENT STUDY    3
Advanced research in the geosciences, generated and designed by the student in consultation with and under the supervision of a member of the department. Although the ideal research project includes suitably balanced literature, field, laboratory, and interpretive components, the requirements of individual topics may dictate a focus on one or more of these aspects of conducting scientific research. Research results will include a written report submitted to the faculty supervisor and an oral presentation to the department. Prerequisite: departmental approval of a written research proposal.    The Department

GE 377    SENIOR SEMINAR IN GEOSCIENCES    1
A one-credit seminar designed to incorporate critical skills acquired throughout the student's undergraduate geosciences experience. In this course students will be part of a team that synthesizes and interprets primary date taken from the literature. During the first part of the seminar, student teams will participate in discussions of current geosciences literature selected within each faculty members' discipline, whereas for the rest of the course students are responsible for choosing literature according to their own interests, and leading discussions based on those texts.    The Department

GE 399.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN GEOLOGY    3 or 6
Professional experience at an advanced subject level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experiences by working on specialized research projects with outside professional earth scientists. Must be taken S/U.    The Department